o see her again, though--finest looking
woman I've met since I came West--remarkable eyes--well, I'll go along
to bed--see you again to-morrow, Jack."

Keith watched the sturdy figure stomp heavily down the hall-way, loose
boards creaking under his positive tread, and smiled to himself at the
thought that he might have, indeed, become truly interested in the music
hall singer. Somehow, the doctor did not harmonize with the conception
of love, or fit graciously into the picture. Still, stranger matings had
occurred, and Cupid does not ask permission before he plays pranks with
hearts. Keith turned again toward the stairs, only to observe a woman
slowly cross the office and commence the ascent. She was in the shadow,
her face even more deeply shaded by her hat, yet he stared at her in
amazement--surely, it was Miss Maclaire! Yet how could it be? He had
left that person scarcely five minutes before in "26," and this stairway
was the only exit. His hand grasped the rail, his heart throbbing
strangely, as a suspicion of the truth crossed his brain. Could this
be Hope? Could it be that she was here also? As her foot touched the
landing, she saw him, her eyes lighting up suddenly in recognition, a
wave of color flooding her cheeks.

"Why, Captain Keith," she exclaimed, extending her gloved hand frankly,
"you have been to my room, and were going away. I am so glad I came in
time."

"I hardly thought to meet you," he replied, retaining her fingers in his
grasp. "When did you reach Sheridan?"

"Only last night. I had no idea you were here, until Doctor Fairbain
chanced to mention your name. Then I at once begged him to tell you how
exceedingly anxious I was to see you. You see, I was sure you would come
if you only knew. I really thought you would be here this morning, and
remained in my room waiting, but there were some things I actually had
to have. I wasn't out ten minutes, so you mustn't think I sent you a
message and then forgot."

The nature of the mistake was becoming apparent, and Keith's gray eyes
smiled as they looked into the depths of the brown.

"Your message had rather an amusing result," he said, "as the doctor
informed me that Miss Christie Maclaire was the one who desired my
presence."

"Miss Maclaire!" her voice exhibiting startled surprise. "Why--why--oh,
I did forget; I never told him differently. Why, it was most
ridiculous." She laughed, white teeth gleaming between the parted red
lips, yet not alto